Cleveland Police Officers and Former Employees Indicted for PPP Fraud
CLEVELAND, Ohio — A Cuyahoga County Grand Jury has indicted four active Cleveland police officers and four former employees following allegations of fraud related to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), according to a statement released by the Cleveland Division of Police on Friday.
The charges include Telecommunications Fraud, Grand Theft, and Tampering with Records. The individuals accused are not currently on duty, as the active officers have been placed on unpaid administrative leave until the criminal proceedings conclude.
The investigation began in November 2023 when the department’s Internal Affairs Unit received a complaint alleging criminal misconduct tied to PPP fraud. This federal program, designed to assist businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, became a target for exploitation by some individuals.
Two former officers, Anthony Shumpert and Mackenley Weaver, were initially identified and separated from the department in 2024. Their cases were referred to prosecutors and have already been adjudicated.
However, more complaints surfaced in June 2023, prompting further scrutiny. The findings were presented to a grand jury, which returned indictments against the eight individuals.
The indicted officers include Marcelous Fox, 35; Sierra Morris, 39; Andreaa Renshaw, 35; and Tamara Smith, 41. The former employees named are Kimmona Miller, 44; TySean Darden, 32; Devon Gresham, 29; and Terence Rouse, 27.
The Cleveland Division of Police emphasized that the alleged misconduct was unrelated to their official duties and did not compromise public safety.
Police Chief Dorothy Todd addressed the indictments in the release, stating, “These indictments serve as a serious reminder that law enforcement officers are not exempt from the law. As in all criminal matters resulting in indictments, the Division remains committed to due process and will take appropriate action following adjudication.”
The PPP, part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, has been subject to widespread fraud cases across the nation. This Cleveland case adds to the growing list of investigations targeting misuse of pandemic relief funds.
The indicted individuals face serious legal consequences if convicted. The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office will handle the case, ensuring a thorough examination of the evidence.
The Cleveland Division of Police has assured the public that it remains committed to transparency and accountability. The indictments highlight the department’s willingness to address misconduct within its ranks, reinforcing the principle that no one is above the law.
As the case progresses, the community and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how justice is served in this high-profile fraud investigation.
— Reported by Nexio News
